Follow our 2017 FloXC Countdown, where FloTrack ranks the top ten cross country teams and individuals in the NCAA this season which will be LIVE on FloTrack. The No. 1 women's spot goes to Grand Valley State, and here's why:

Probable Top Five:

SO Stacey Metzger (16:28 5K; 15th at '16 NCAA XC)
JR Gina Patterson (4:45 Mile; 16:25 5K; 9th at '15 NCAA XC)
SR Kelly Haubert (34:58 10K; 35th at '16 NCAA XC)
SR Rachel Bendewald (4:32 1500; 57th at '16 NCAA XC)
SO Jessica Gockley (71st at '16 NCAA XC)

Analysis:

Despite graduating two-time cross country national champ Kendra Foley, the defending champion Grand Valley State women hold on to their top spot with another deep and experienced lineup. Now, Foley's departure will certainly make the pressure from top challenger Western State much more severe, but the Lakers' history of NCAA success coupled with their return of three All-Americans keeps them in the driver's seat for 2017.

GVSU won their fifth title in seven seasons last November without the services of Gina Patterson, who was ninth at NCAAs as a freshman and ran a 4:45 mile the following spring. Patterson suffered an injury last fall that ended her season, but a healthy return from her gives Grand Valley two athletes with top-15 finishes on their resumes. Stacey Metzger was the top freshman in the country last year at nationals and she wrapped her first collegiate season with an excellent fourth-place finish in the outdoor 5K. This pair at full strength is likely better than any other duo in the country.

The final three spots of the Lakers' projected five belong to three women who have proven they can run well at NCAAs. Kelly Haubert has been on the nationals team each of her first three seasons and collected her first All-American honor last fall. She's joined in the top five by fellow senior Rachel Bendewald, who steadily improved on the track in 2017 after her 57th place showing in cross country. Jessica Gockley was 71st as a freshman and should complete the top five.

The fight for the crown this November will almost certainly come down to Grand Valley State and Western State, with the latter greatly improved by the addition of Aneta Konieczek, a 9:57 steepler and sister of four-time national champion on the track Alicja Konieczek. But given Grand Valley's stout roster and long history of November excellence, the champ stays the champ until proven otherwise.

FULL WOMEN'S RANKINGS HERE